Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman numerals. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represent? Those are Roman numerals.
In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., for counting. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed for counting. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system for this purpose. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols we use to count.
In Roman numerals, we use CDLXXXI to represent 481, where C is 100, D is 500, L is 50, X is 10, and I is 1. Let's learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. In this section, let's discuss some basic rules that need to be remembered when writing numbers in Roman numerals.
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, XI → X + I → 10 + 1 = 11.
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, VV is not used for 10; instead, we use X, and 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let's now learn how to write 481 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals:
In the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on place value. In this section, we will learn how to write 481 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 481 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 481, we write it as 400 + 80 + 1.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals: 400 in Roman numerals — CD 80 in Roman numerals — LXXX 1 in Roman numerals — I
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 481 in Roman numerals is CD (400) + LXXX (80) + I (1) = CDLXXXI.
When writing large numbers in Roman numerals, we group the numbers. To write 481 in Roman numerals, we group 481 as 400 + 80 + 1.
So, 481 is written as CDLXXXI in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian finds a manuscript that mentions a battle with CDLXXXI soldiers on one side and CCL soldiers on the other. How many more soldiers did the first side have?
The first side had CCXXXI more soldiers.
To find how many more soldiers the first side had, subtract the number of soldiers on the second side from the first.
CDLXXXI = 481
CCL = 250
481 - 250 = 231
231 in Roman Numerals is CCXXXI.
A library owns DCCXLVIII books, and they plan to donate CDLXVII of them. How many books will remain?
The library will have CCLXXXI books remaining.
To find out how many books remain, subtract the number of books donated from the total number of books.
DCCXLVIII = 748
CDLXVII = 467
748 - 467 = 281
281 in Roman Numerals is CCLXXXI.
A marathon had a total of CM runners, and CDLXXXI completed the race. How many runners did not finish?
There were CDXIX runners who did not finish.
To find the number of runners who did not finish, subtract the number of runners who completed the race from the total number of runners.
CM = 900
CDLXXXI = 481
900 - 481 = 419
419 in Roman Numerals is CDXIX.
A collector has a series of coins labeled from I to CDXCIX, but notices that CDXCVIII is missing. How many coins are in the collection?
The collection contains CDXCVIII coins.
The total number of coins in a series labeled from I to CDXCIX is equal to the highest number in the series.
CDXCIX = 499
Since CDXCVIII is missing, the collection has 499 - 1 = 498 coins.
498 in Roman Numerals is CDXCVIII.
Write the Roman numeral for 481 + 319 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 481 + 319 is DCCC.
Step 1: First convert the numbers 481 and 319 into Roman numerals.
481 - CDLXXXI
319 - CCCXIX
Add the numbers together:
481 + 319 = 800
Using the expansion method: 800 = 500 + 300 = DCCC.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.